Is it Wise to Employ Ice Cubes to Water Your Plants?
The Core Problem
Countless potted plant succumbs to excessive care; dousing them every time you look is often fatal. The practice for watering promises more measured and better-regulated watering. However, is it really function?
This Popular Method
Place a couple of ice cubes on top of the growing medium. The idea posits while the ice dissolves, it steadily releases water, giving the roots a chance to drink in it and averting waterlogged conditions.
A Closer Look
This technique works best for small pots and species averse to excess moisture, like Phalaenopsis. However, most of tropical-loving indoor plants dislike chilly conditions. A plant's roots developed for warmth, and cold water can stress or hurt them. Ambient temperature is a major role in the hack's efficacy: in a warm space, the ice will dissolve almost instantly, giving scant advantage, whereas in a chilly spot it may remain excessively, lowering the temperature of the roots and slowing water uptake. It is crucial to use ice cubes are made from pure, potable water and do not force them directly against plant stems or exposed roots.
Putting it to Trial
This was experimented with on a Phalaenopsis. Two cubes each week resulted in the roots nicely moist preventing sogginess. However, using the same trick on a ornamental foliage plant led to discoloration at the leaf edges, a telltale indication of cold stress.
The Ultimate Assessment
The cube method may work for orchids, but it isn't suited for many tropical indoor plants and depends greatly on room temperature. As a result, this hack is not advised; tepid water poured gradually continues to be the safest method to properly moisten your leafy friends.
